You need to have an Mbox to run any protools system. No hardware, no load. Buy your self an Mbox (return 7.0 because all Mboxes come with ProTool LE 7.0) then you can run your Mbox in conjunction with your Firestudio.

Well, wait a minute.
I don't think you can buy just PT software alone. Can you?
The software is usually always linked to a hardware componet.
And since the software is specifically asking for M-Audio hardware, I would think that version of PT was bundled with some hardware.
Look around under the tree again. There should be another box with your name on it.

Basically if you want to run protools buy an mbox, and keep the protools, or you can take back protools and use the cubase software with your firestudio. All up to you and depends on how many tracks you'll be recording at once, Mboxes tend to come with two pre's so that's 10 inputs...do you have ten microphones to run at once?

I'm going to leave the Pro-tools vs. Cubase thing for another time... it really all comes down personal preference. But if it was me?.... I would return Pro-tools (if they don't have some kind of "no return" policy for opened software) and use Cubase. I have used Cubase LE for a couple of years and really like it.... it does everything I need it to do for now.

I got the firepod (an older version of the firestudio project) a while ago and it came with the full version of Cubase LE... not a trial version. Cubase LE 4 is Cubase 4 "light" (it doesn't have all of the features) but it shouldn't be a version that will only work for a limited time. I would check it out just to be sure....

Hi Trevor, I have never used Pro tool so i can't speak about the learning curve. :roll:
I figured cubase out from scratch so it can't be that hard. I didn't like the cubase look/setup even though it is a very good recording app.
I started with the free Acid express and the cubase program was to different thats all.

Some say PT is difficult and there are different levels with the better versions (so I here) starting way up there in price, like a $150,000 with a console, wooohoooo out of my league. :shock: :shock:

For just recording your band you could have used a free App (acid express, audacity) or a few trial versions out there. :wink:

PT is one of the few that has to see their hardware before it will run. That limits some people to the way they want to record or build their DAW.
That said you will find limitations with most programs and sound cards as some are not compatible with each other.
I started with a free program and a stock PC, then a sound blaster card, then a m audio Audiophile 2496 sound card, which I hate its software or lack off.
Bought a new PC twice over now. the new one has Sonar-6 Producer Edition in 64 bit mode, and on, and on.

The best thing for you to have done to record a band and to have made it easier, you could get a solid state work station or (digital mixer) with a internal recorder.
ILL give you a few linkshttp://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HD16CD/

oh this second link has most of the others.http://www.guitarbasics.com/guitar/buy/digital_recorders.htm

As far as the PT learning curve, if you decide to stay with it I would try one of two books (or both). Take your time; work through the tutorials; read them carefully; and you should be up to speed quickly. (Actually, there are several other tutorial books for PT, but these are the two that I've tried and I liked them both.)